In the popular Hungarian national final “A Dàl”, the country tries to bring the best Hungarian song to Eurovision every year. This song festival has established over the years and shows high viewing numbers. Within six shows and 30 entries the Hungarian representative has been determined. itÄs Joci Pápai again. He has represented his country back in 2017 with the rhythmic entry “Origo” and made a fabulous 8th place in Kiev.

Great to see that an artist of the Gypsy ethnic groups could come so far in a country where there is still a lot of discrimination. Joci won a lot of attention and people adore him. Now he has been chosen again by the Hungarian public, he will now sing “Az én apám” – means “My Father”.

Joci Pápai was born in Tata, 70 km outside of Budapest in 1981. He also group with in family of musicians. His father is the leader of the gypsy orchestra with more than 70 members. Therefore Joci came into contact with music at an early age. Joci composed his song by himself together with Ferenc Molnár. In 2017 Joci won the national Hungarian final and represented Hungary in the Ukraine.

The Hungarian entry “Az én apám” will be sung in Hungarian and is a totally different song from his previous one. The song is about his father, who has died. He sings about his great connection to his father, his thankfulness and love. This is a smooth and calm song which has a lovely melody, which will more beautiful the more you listen to it.

History

Debut: 1994

Participations: 17

Victories: 0

Finals: 13 (9 since 2004)

Top 10: 5

Chances for Top 10: 29%

Chances for Final: 85%

For the first time Hungary took part was 1994. With the song “Kinek Mondjam El Vétkeimet” by Friderika Bayer Hungary came 4th with a big surprise, the first three “12 points” were given to Hungary by the first three juries and people believed that this could be the winner! Unfortunately, this was has not been continued by the other juries. Even though this was a remarkable placing in the debut year, not only for Hungary also for other newcomers like Poland (2nd) and Russia (7th), they all shaped up very well in Dublin. From that debut year Hungary did not participate on a regular basis, the biggest pause has been between 1998 and 2005. This year it will be the 16th entry for Hungary at the ESC.

Hungary came back with new music and a lot of energy in 2005 after the pause. The group NOX could bring Hungary back to a good position with a very well-choreographed folkloristic dance song “Forogj Világ” which came 12th in the Grand Final. This fact did not only delight the TV viewers and audience, furthermore, Hungary found back a regular place in the contest with a big wow! There were other flashy entries like “Unsubstantial Blues” by Magdi Rúsza in 2007 (9th) and “What about my dreams” by Kati Wolf in 2011, which came 22nd in the Grand Final in Dusseldorf. This brought Hungary glamour and international attention even if the low placing was not appropriate. Hungary has established a national final “A Dál” with several rounds and very good and contemporary music. By now Hungary has one of the most exciting national finals in Eastern Europe every year!

Since 2011 Hungary has consequently reached the Grand Final and the placing’s have improved almost every year. The entry “Kedvesem” by ByeAlex reached the Grand Final and made a respectable 10th place and one year later András Kállay-Saunders could make a wonderful 5th place with “Running”, “Wars For Nothing” by Boggie in 2015 has only made a disappointing 20th place in Vienna, and Freddie could reach the 19th place with “Pioneer”, “Origo” by Joci Pápai made a wonderful 8th place in Kiev and last year the rock group AWS made a 21st rank in Lisbon.

About me: Due to the fact that my parents are musicians, I have a gained a great enthusiasm for music. Since 1979 my interest in the Eurovision Song Contest has grown enormously. My first ESC I joined was in Dublin 1995. Six years later I founded the website eurovisionlive.com in the year 2001. The most fascinating part for me is the original idea of the Eurovision Song Contest – the peaceful contest of the European countries. I am very happy that I have the chance to contribute my little part for the greatest music show in the world.